
School Refusal and Autism: Can’t, Not Won’t
Autistic school refusal is usually distress, not defiance. Here is what actually helps a child who cannot face school.
Affirming, plain-language writing on autism, from lived experience and current research. Browse the latest below, or jump to a topic.
PDA is a profile of autism where everyday demands trigger extreme, anxiety-driven avoidance. Learn the signs and the low-demand approach that helps.

Autistic school refusal is usually distress, not defiance. Here is what actually helps a child who cannot face school.

Echolalia, repeating words and phrases, is a natural and meaningful part of autistic communication. Here is what it means and how to respond.

Executive dysfunction is the gap between knowing what to do and being able to do it. Here are everyday strategies that help autistic brains, not laziness fixes.

Change and transitions can trigger real anxiety for autistic people. Warning, preparation and visual supports make them far easier to handle.

For many autistic people eye contact is uncomfortable and gets in the way of listening. Here is the truth about looking away, and why forcing it backfires.

Meltdowns turn overwhelm outward, shutdowns turn it inward. Learn to tell them apart and how to help during and after each.